Just a quick update for Angelenos interested in helping firefighters and evacuees.  A woman named Leigh Brockway posted this list of Fire Stations and Evacuation Shelters accepting donations and volunteers on her blog.

American Red Cross - Greater Los Angeles Area: 866-548-8226

Fire Stations that are accepting food and water donations:

Shelters:

Red Cross Evacuation Shelter
Verdugo Hills High School
10625 Plainview Ave
Tujunga, CA 91042

Marie Kerr Park
2723 Rancho Vista Blvd
Palmdale, CA 93551
(661) 267-5551

Golden Valley High School
27051 Robert C Lee Parkway
Santa Clarita CA 91350

La Cañada High School.
4463 Oak Grove Dr,
La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011-3797

Also:

VCA Animal Hospitals are offering free boarding for the pets of people affected by the fires.

More about making sure evacuees pets aren’t left behind, a la Katrina.

I don’t often hear something on the radio that inspires me to shout “Yes!” and punch the air in celebration while driving, but this is excellent news.  I heard this a couple of days ago as a GeoQuiz on NPR, which you can listen to here.  After an extensive undercover investigation by Animal Defenders International, Bolivia has passed “the first national law to ban the use of both domestic and wild animals in circuses.”  Better yet, the “new national law enacted by its Congress in La Paz says the use of animals in the circus is an act of cruelty (italics mine).”  Way to call it like it is, Bolivia!  You can read ADI’s release on this here.  Anyone have President Morales’ mailing address?  I want to send him some vegan cupcakes in thanks!

Here’s an Armchair Do-gooding idea for people interested in making their bachelorette/bachelor party more meaningful and memorable.  Choose an organization whose cause is close to your heart and get a group of your best friends together for a day of service.  There’s no need to cut out good ol’ fun, either—start in the morning with a volunteer activity and end with an evening of tequila shots.  Or you could make a weekend out of it: How about a Nevada Habitat for Humanity build and then a good, old fashioned Las Vegas blowout?

My bachelorette party went a little something like this: Brunch at Madeleine Bistro (having eclipsed the age where I can still hold my liquor, I opted for beignets instead of booze), an afternoon volunteering at Animal Acres, and a picnic lunch afterward.  It was perfect for me and enjoyed by all.

Not sure where to start? VolunteerMatch is a good place to begin…

I’m looking for a job.  Ideally one working for a good cause.  Even better would be one working for and/or with animals.  Yesterday, I applied for a position with Voice for the Animals.  Today, my Monster search (keyword ‘Animals’) turned up this grisly gem.  Responsibilities include providing “routine and technical care to animals for experimental use.”  Hi, I’m Helen, I’m an animal-loving vegan, and I was just wondering, Can I Get A Hell NO?  It’s unbelievable and inexcusable that this even still occurs.  Animal testing is cruel and absolutely unnecessary in this scientifically and technologically-advanced day and age.  Don’t believe me?  Do your homework…there’s plenty of detailed information available about the many viable, validated, and accepted alternatives online.  And yes, there are educational alternatives as well, USC.  Ahem.   

I’m searching for a veg-friendly general physician in Los Angeles.  Why?  Because it’s been a long, long time since I had a general check-up, because I just returned from Costa Rica where I’m 99.9% sure I had Dengue Fever, and because I’d prefer to see a doctor who “gets” my diet.  Sadly, it’s rare to find a mainstream, Western medical doctor who is familiar with and supportive of a vegetarian–much less vegan–lifestyle.

Lately I’ve been lucky: When my new OB/GYN, the caring and talented Dr. Stacey Rosenbaum, learned that I was a vegan, she offered no criticism.  Instead, she had the foresight to suggest that I take an extra folic acid supplement, just in case I become pregnant.  Dr. Rosenbaum gets an A+.  Now I need to find a General Practicioner on the same wavelength.

Googling thus far, I’ve only found one Los Angeles-based doctor who identifies herself as a vegan.  Her name is Dr. Heather Shenkman, she’s an Interventional Cardiologist, and this is her blog.  I had high hopes that her office would be able to refer me to a GP who would, at the least, be informed about and accepting of veg*nism, but my phone call led to a dead end.  Dr. Shenkman said that she was the only veg-friendly LA doc she knew of.

I have to believe that there are other Los Angeles physicians who are knowledgeable about living healthy as a veg*an.  I’m going to compile a list here, and I hope you’ll help me.  If you are, or know of, a vegetarian or vegan-friendly Los Angeles-based medical doctor (all kinds welcome) please email me and I’ll add your contact info to the list.

Vegetarian & Vegan Friendly Medical Doctors in Los Angeles:
Rita R. Kumar, M.D. - Internal Medicine, Clinical Genetics
Anna Milstein, M.D. - Cardiology, Internal Medicine
Stacey P. Rosenbaum, M.D. - OB/GYN
Heather Shenkman, M.D. - Cardiology

Photo courtesy Herbivore Clothing Company 

Vegetarianism and veganism have received a lot of attention and promotion in the past few years. What was once a little-known dietary choice is now the celebrated lifestyle of celebrities from Alicia Silverstone to Paul McCartney. The movement has inspired a range of groundbreaking cookbooks and even claims its own dance troupe, the Vegan Vixens. While a lot of vegans cite animal rights as their main reason for abstaining from meat, milk and eggs, concern for the environment is another significant factor.

By now we’ve all heard the incredible statistics about the huge amounts of methane — a greenhouse gas — emitted by cows. The EPA reports that “ruminant livestock produce about 80 million metric tons of methane annually, accounting for about 28 percent of global methane emissions from human-related activities.” In addition to the methane mess, there’s the matter of manure. According to the National Resources Defense Council, the mass quantities of waste emanating from livestock farms has been shown to “seriously threaten humans, fish and ecosystems” via environmental horrors such as polluted groundwater and “waste-lagoon” spills.

While more and more people are exploring both the health and environmental benefits of veganism — even just occasional veganism — the choice to go vegan is about more than what you eat. Case in point: Google “vegan belts” and you’ll find a long list of vendors selling nonleather, animal-friendly belts, and yes — there are plenty of handbags and shoes to match.

Renowned vegan cookbook author Sarah Kramer, whose titles include How It All Vegan, La Dolce Vegan and Vegan a Go-Go!: A Cookbook & Survival Manual for Vegans on the Road, explains, “Food is a very important part of veganism, but is just the tip of the iceberg. Veganism is a lifestyle choice from the clothes we wear, to the products we buy, to the life choices we make.”

Isa Chandra Moskowitz, author of celebrated vegan cookbooks such as Veganomicon and Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World, agrees with that sentiment. “Being vegan is about loving animals and treating them right,” she says.

Which brings us back to the subject of vegan belts. Belts — and other clothing and accessories — are vegan if they’re not made from leather, fur, wool, silk or other animal products. Sound limiting and frustrating? Kramer says that if you’d asked her that question 10 years ago she would have answered “yes,” but things have changed.

“There are so many fabulous vegan choices in the marketplace now,” she says. “Just go to Moo Shoes. You could spend your whole day shopping for vegan shoes and belts.”

Moskowitz admits that sometimes it’s frustrating not to be able to walk into any store and get whatever she wants, but acknowledges, “There are more and more vegan stores popping up all the time.” Among her favorites are Herbivore Clothing and Vaute Couture.

While there are a number of vegan belts that are made from natural materials, and even some that are handcrafted from 100 percent reclaimed inner tubes, many faux-leather belts are made from polyurethane. According to Greenpeace, polyurethane “uses several hazardous intermediates and creates numerous hazardous by-products.” This creates a bit of a challenge for the consumer who is both earth- and animal-conscious. While it may seem like having to choose the lesser of two evils, taking the time to do your homework will uncover a growing selection of rewarding options. Look for belts, clothing, and accessories made from natural fibers, and seek out recycled, upcycled and handmade items.

Ten worthwhile vegan clothiers:

• Herbivore Clothing Company

• Moo Shoes

• Vaute Couture

• Truth

• Humanitaire

• Alternative Outfitters

• Ragazzi Vegan

• Pangea Vegan Products

• Green With Envy

• Etsy

[Crossposted from Mother Nature Network]

Sometimes, the opportunity to do some good is so darn easy, you’re likely to miss it.  President-elect Barack Obama and his legions of ardent supporters are proof that when people are inspired to take action, they can accomplish just about anything.  Today, I’m inspired, and I hope you will be, too.

My friend and role model, Tanya Petrovna, sent out this email today.  Please give it a read and follow the super simple instructions–it’ll take about a hot two minutes:

Help Close L.A. Zoo Elephant Exhibit And Send Lone Elephant Billy To A Sanctuary — CALL THE MAYOR THIS MORNING!

Zoo supporters are making a last push to influence the mayor on this important issue! Please call THIS MORNING!

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa
Phone: 213-978-0600

Talking Points:

• The $42 million L.A. Zoo elephant exhibit is a waste of taxpayer money and won’t provide the space that elephants need.
• Too many elephants have suffered and died prematurely at the L.A. Zoo, many due to painful health problems caused by inadequate conditions including pens that are far too small.
• Billy has spent years in solitary confinement in a tiny zoo pen, where he constantly bobs his head up and down, an abnormal behavior not seen in the wild.
• The City of Los Angeles has made great strides toward becoming more humane. Now it’s time to include elephants by closing the elephant exhibit and sending Billy to a sanctuary as soon as possible.